Private Full Day Historic Shetland Tour
Shetland, GB
100% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Explore ancient Viking ruins at Jarlshof
- Visit the historic Scalloway Museum
- Discover the traditional Croft House Museum
- Experience the charming Tangwick Haa Museum
- Travel in comfort with private transportation
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Private transportation included
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8-hour duration
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Admission to 5 museums
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Air-conditioned vehicle
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Bottled water provided
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Knowledgeable English guide
Embark on a journey through millennia with the Private Full Day Historic Shetland Tour. Explore the rich archaeological sites of Shetland, from prehistoric settlements to Viking-era tales. Discover the fascinating history of Shetland as you travel the length and breadth of the Shetland Mainland. Highlights include visits to Scalloway Museum, Jarlshof, Croft House Museum, and Tangwick Haa Museum. Enjoy the convenience of private transportation, bottled water, and admission fees included. Immerse yourself in the history of Shetland with this unforgettable experience.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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8 hours
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Available in English
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Mobile voucher
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Private Tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore Shetland's rich history on a private full-day tour featuring ancient sites, museums, and breathtaking landscapes.
Included
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OtherAdmission to Scalloway Museum -
OtherAdmission to Jarlshof
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Private transportationPrivate transportation
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Bottled waterBottled water
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OtherAdmission to Croft House Museum
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In-vehicle air conditioningAir-conditioned vehicle
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Surcharges on fuelFuel surcharge
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Parking feesParking Fees
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OtherAdmission to Tangwick Haa Museum
Excluded
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LunchLunch -
GratuitiesGratuities
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
Lerwick
*Please note, this itinerary is based on starting in Lerwick. If you choose a meeting point elsewhere in Shetland, the order of stops will be different, but all stops will be covered. We start our exploration of Shetland's past in the islands' capital: Lerwick. Once a small fishing village built to service Dutch herring fleets, Lerwick is now the largest settlement and only town in Shetland. We'll visit Fort Charlotte, built to protect the islands during the First Anglo-Dutch War in 1652/3. Next, spend some time wandering through "the Lanes", a series of narrow passageways built between the 17th & 19th centuries which are now a conservation area. We'll conclude our Lerwick walk at the Town Hall with its impressive stained glass windows.
30 minutes
Clickimin Broch
Sitting on a small promontory in Clickimin Loch, the 2000-year old Clickimin Broch is one of the best preserved Iron Age brochs in Scotland.
20 minutes
We travel to the very southern tip of the Shetland Mainland to visit Jarlshof. An archaeological settlement dating from the Bronze Age, Jarlshof has been classed as one of the most remarkable sites ever excavated in the British Isles
40 minutes
Admission Included
The Crofthouse Museum is a traditional 19th century thatched crofthouse. The property is presented in the style of how it would have looked in the 1870s. Smell the peat fire, discover the box beds and try to set the traditional Shetland mouse trap. The crofthouse also has a lovely garden. Hear our knowledgeable custodians tell stories about how it would have been to live in a typical crofthouse and what families would have to have done to make a living from the land.
30 minutes
Admission Included
Travelling on to Scalloway we see the ancient capital and its famous castle which was built around 1600 by Earl Patrick Stewart. Note- this is a photo stop only. The castle is closed to the public.
5 minutes
Visit the Scalloway museum which features displays on ancient Shetland and the Shetland Bus - which was a WW2 resistance movement where fishing boats operated a daring operation transporting troops and civilians across the sea between Shetland and German-occupied Norway from 1941-1945.
30 minutes
Admission Included
Scalloway
Either before or after we visit Scalloway Museum, we'll have some free time to explore Scalloway and get lunch from one of the local shops or cafes (lunch not included)
30 minutes
Travelling to the far north of Shetland, through the dramatic Northmavine scenery (with photo stops en route), we arrive at Tangwick Haa. This fascinating museum is housed in a traditional bod built around 1690 and has an informative display on local life through the centuries.
30 minutes
Admission Included
We'll pause for a photo on the windswept clifftops, overlooked by Eshaness Lighthouse, built by David Stevenson in 1925.
15 minutes
Braehoulland
Continuing our drive through the remote Eshaness Peninsula, we stop for a photo at Johnnie Notions' bod. Notions, a self taught physician, is credited with developing an inoculation for smallpox. He spent his entire life (1730-1803) here in Eshaness.
5 minutes
As we near the end of our trip, we make one final stop at the Bod of Gremista. Now a textile museum (no admission on this tour), the bod was built in 1780. Arthur Andersen, co-founder of the Peninsula & Oriental Steam Navigation Company, which we now know as P&O, was born here.
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Additional time is for transportation/ travel time. -
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Service animals allowed
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Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What our experts say
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Try local seafood at Scalloway's cafes. -
Visit Lerwick's 'the Lanes' for unique shops.
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Bring a camera for stunning cliff views.
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking tours.
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Check museum hours for the best experience.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Embark on a journey through time with the Private Full Day Historic Shetland Tour. Delve into the rich history of Shetland, exploring its archaeological sites and uncovering tales of the Viking-era that shaped this captivating region. From prehistoric settlements to the fascinating dowry that links Shetland to both Norway and Scotland, this tour promises to be a history lover's dream come true.What to expect?
On this immersive experience, travelers can anticipate a deep dive into the historic wonders of Shetland. Explore renowned archaeological sites such as Jarlshof, delve into the local history at museums like Scalloway Museum and Croft House Museum, and marvel at the heritage preserved at Tangwick Haa Museum. With private transportation, knowledgeable guides, and curated highlights, this tour promises a comprehensive exploration of Shetland's past.Who is this for?
The Private Full Day Historic Shetland Tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and anyone with a thirst for knowledge and adventure. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a curious explorer, this tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the hidden gems of Shetland's past. From Viking history buffs to those with a keen interest in archaeology, this tour caters to a diverse range of individuals eager to delve into the historical tapestry of Shetland.Why book this?
Immerse yourself in the historic wonders of Shetland with this exclusive tour that offers a personalized and in-depth exploration of the region's past. With expert guides leading the way, you'll uncover the secrets of prehistoric settlements, Viking legacies, and the intriguing connections between Shetland, Norway, and Scotland. The inclusion of admission to key museums, private transportation, and convenient amenities ensures a seamless and enriching experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for Shetland's captivating history.Good to know
As you embark on the Private Full Day Historic Shetland Tour, be prepared to be amazed by the wealth of archaeological sites, museums, and historical landmarks that await you. From the ancient ruins of Jarlshof to the intriguing exhibits at Croft House Museum, each stop along the itinerary offers a unique glimpse into Shetland's past. With comfortable transportation, essential amenities, and expert guidance, this tour is designed to provide an unforgettable journey through time that will leave you with lasting memories of Shetland's fascinating history.Reviews
Travelers who have experienced the Private Full Day Historic Shetland Tour rave about the comprehensive insights, expert guides, and well-curated itinerary that offer a deep dive into the region's rich history. From the stunning archaeological sites to the fascinating stories shared along the way, this tour has received glowing reviews for its engaging and informative approach to exploring Shetland's past. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about the heritage of this unique destination, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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